Page 42 of On Broken Wings

When she came bouncing up, I was still lost in my head. She was so happy, and I practically growled at her. I felt like a total ass. When she kissed my cheek, I felt like even more of an ass. I knew that this date tonight had to be one of the best dates she’d ever been on. I needed to get a sting set up, and close this case before I got any deeper. Lying to Jenni made me sick, and I had a sinking feeling every time I did it that it was going to blow up in my face.

Once Jenni disappeared inside, I rushed to my car and peeled off the curb. I was being stupid and driving like an asshole on my way to Sal’s. When I pulled up behind the building, Vince was leaning against a dark panel van.

“E!” He lifted his arms like I was a long-lost son and he was welcoming me home. “I missed you on the buy. Glad your mom is doing better.”

It took me a minute to realize that this must have been Michael’s doing. Vince had wanted me there, and Michael had made sure that I wasn’t. “Yeah. Much better.” I gave a quick nod. “I’ll be there for the next.”

“Great.” He turned and opened the back doors to the van. “Check out this haul.” I stepped around to see four more duffels filled. “These are going for a five a piece, and you get two bags.” He nodded toward me.

“That’s a lot of weight,” I mused.

“I know you can handle it.” Vince grinned as he unzipped one of the bags to show me how full they were. “We cut this last night. I don’t think you’ll have any trouble unloading it.”

“Not it all.” I smirked. “Give me a week.”

“Nice, nice.” He handed me the bags. “Our next shipment is coming in two days. I want you there for it. We’re meeting at the loading dock at the shipyard. Think your mom will be ok?” He gave me that half glare/ half smirk like he knew that was a bullshit excuse but wasn’t ready to call me out yet.

“Definitely. I’ll be there.” I flung the duffle I was carrying into the trunk of my car. “Just give me a time when you’re all set up.”

“Sounds good. No testing the merchandise.” He chuckled as I climbed into my car.

“Later.” I lifted my chin as I sped away. I needed to get Michael busted so he wouldn’t interfere. This buy would be the perfect set up, and then this would all be over.

ooooooooo

By the time I passed all the intel on to Toni, went home and took a nap, and got cleaned up for my date, I was in desperate need of normalcy. I missed playing the role of the college guy, and I wanted tonight to be low-key for both Jenni and myself.

I’d sent Jenni a text earlier in the day letting her know that I’d pick her up at her apartment tonight. As much as I liked meeting her at work, the fear of running into Dean or even Gage worried me. I couldn’t blow my cover, not after working this hard, and being this close to getting these fuckers.

When I pulled up to her building, the sun was just starting to set. The sky was a brilliant orange and purple color. I parked on the cub, and jogged over to the door. I pressed her buzzer and soon the door clicked, letting me in. I rushed up the stairs like a nervous teen, taking them two at time until I found myself standing outside her door.

As I lifted my hand to knock, the door opened. Jenni was standing there grinning at me. “How did you?” I wrinkled my forehead in confusion.

“I watched through the peephole.” She giggled. “Come on in.” She stepped back and motioned me inside. This was the first time I’d ever been invited in here. I felt like an intruder of some sort.

Jenni scurried down the hall and I stood there like an idiot, staring. The living room was decorated in a mix of Jenni and Mason. There were car magazines on the coffee table, and scented candles placed on several tables and ledges. A few pictures were scattered, but the place was very tidy. “Ready?” Jenni bounced back into the room, this time carrying a purse.

“I am if you are.” I smiled as I really looked at her. She had changed from this morning. She was wearing a white sundress that billowed out around her legs. The thin straps looked as if they could barely hold it up. The flip flops she was had on clicked as they smacked the bottom of her feet. The biggest thing that I noticed was the absence of the leather cuffs. Her wrists were exposed, and she didn’t seem bothered by it. In all honesty, her scars were so light that you couldn’t see them unless you really looked. She knew they were there, but for someone who didn’t they’d be unnoticeable.

“Let’s get out of here then.” I held out my hand for her, and she took it, letting me lead her down to my car.

ooooooooo

“Where are we going?” She bounced in her seat as I maneuvered us through the busy streets of Chicago.

“You’ll see.” I glanced at her, but refused to tell her.

“That’s not fair.” She pouted.

“I think it’s totally fair. It’ll be worth it. Promise.” I turned the radio up to fill the silence in the car as we got closer to our destination. When I couldn’t hide it anymore, I parked. “We’re here.” I climbed out, and jogged around to help her out.

“I love Navy Pier.” She grinned up at me.

“Me too.” I began to lead her over the restaurant I’d chosen for us. They had some of the best seafood in Chicago, and we could eat outdoors. The sun was now a small sliver over the water, and I was hoping to watch it disappear completely with Jenni.

ooooooooo

“This was such a good idea.” She leaned into my side as she plucked a piece of cotton candy I’d bought her off of the stick. We were walking around the pier checking out the vendors who’d set up carts. A live band was playing on the stage area near the carousel, and people were bustling about.

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